The GLC is the latest entry in the small SUV market, and it’s giving second thoughts to people who would otherwise have gone straight for a BMW X3 or Land Rover Discovery Sport.

At present, there’s just the one engine available, a 2.1-litre diesel. There are two versions on offer, however; tested here is the entry-level 220 d.

With 168bhp and 295lb ft, this is significantly down on output – it’s 16% less powerful and 20% less torquey than the 250 d model. Yet it does no better for emissions and fuel consumption, returning exactly the same official figures.

It only costs £1155 less than the equivalent 250 d, too. So it’ll need to be pretty good to make a case for itself.

Before we get to that, though, let’s recap on what previous experiences of the GLC have shown us. It has a classy, attractive and very well made cabin with excellent controls and plenty of space for people and luggage alike. It’s well equipped, too – however if you want it to be as well equipped as you’ll probably feel it ought to be, you’ll need to dig deep for some pricey options.

A quietly refined cabin comes as standard, though, as do four-wheel drive and a nine-speed auto box. But the latter has to do more work, hunting for torque while, in the 250 d, you’d simply be enjoying strong in-gear acceleration.

The extra revs don’t upset the calm, with diesel noise only really apparent when you bury the throttle. And as an 8.3-second 0-62 time shows, it’s still no slouch.

But yes, it’s markedly less flexible than the more powerful unit. As a result, with the drive selector set to Eco it feels too casual – and with it in Sport, the amount of time you spend going into kickdown does the GLC’s smooth refinement a bit of a disservice.

That leaves Comfort mode, which is pretty appropriate to a car whose grip, steering and suspension all just do their job without ever asking you in for the time of your life. Take it easy, let it do what it’s good at and enjoy the ride without stressing yourself by going in search of what’s not there.

It’s not a complete limo, with a firmness to the standard-fit steel springs that’s a by-product of good roll control in corners. Our tester was on 18” rims, rather than the 20” jobs you’ll see on many GLCs, and this no doubt helped prevent the ride from crossing the line into becoming harsh. But again, it’s well judged for the average owner, not tuned up for Mr Keen.

You don’t have to be a petrol head to appreciate the virtues of the more powerful engine, though. It’s stronger where it matters, and it makes the GLC a better car – however you drive it.

For this reason, we’d recommend spending the extra money if you can. The 220 d is good – but the 250 d is the one to have.